West Mercia launches its Christmas drink-drive campaign

RESIDENTS are being warned not to risk drink-driving over the festive period as part of the annual campaign by West Mercia and Warwickshire Police, in conjunction with other partnerships, launched on Saturday (December 1).

Posters, beermats and other advertising methods at pubs and clubs across Worcestershire will endeavour to get the message across and make people think about the consequences of drink and drug driving.

Drivers are being urged to consider if they are 'over the limit' as, police say, there is no foolproof way of calculating whether they are fit to drive.

Statistics show that in Worcestershire, in the last three years, three people lost their lives and 29 were seriously injured in crashes where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor. A further 228 suffered slight injuries.

As well as the advertisements, the winter drink-drive campaign includes police officers carrying out checks at random locations at any time of day or night.

Supt Lee Davenport, for West Mercia and Warwickshire Police, said: "Alcohol and drugs both affect your ability to judge speed and distances accurately and slow down your reaction time.

"We’re urging people to think hard about the consequences that a collision could lead to.

"We are very aware the festive season can present opportunities where people are tempted to drive after taking drugs or drinking.

“Worryingly, and despite many warnings over the years about the dangers of drink/drug driving, there are still far too many reckless drivers ignoring the devastating consequences."

Vicki Bristow, the West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership's communications manager, said: "The campaign highlights the possible consequences of what could happen if a person decides to drive under the influence of drink or drugs."